The highest court in the United States is set to decide whether a statewide ban on sex-determining medical care for minors is unconstitutional. The special case could have a big impact on transgender people across the country – and not just when it comes to their health care.
Here's what you need to know.
What is the case about?
the case, United States vs. Skrmetticentered around a law in Tennessee that prohibits gender-affirming medical care for children under 18 – treatments such as puberty-delaying medication, hormone therapy and surgeries to treat gender dysphoria, which is a distressing feeling that people feel when their gender identity is not the same as the gender they were assigned at birth.
Under the Tennessee law, passed last year, medical providers who administer these treatments can be sued, fined or professionally disciplined.
What does the court decide?
The justices are being asked to rule whether Tennessee's law violates the US Constitution – specifically the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause – by making distinctions based on sex. They do not rule on the issue of medical treatments for transgender children themselves.
The US Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a major transgender rights case testing whether a Republican-backed ban in Tennessee on sex-affirming medical care for transgender children violates the Constitution. – the foundation of the USA.
Is Tennessee the only state with that type of ban?
No. A wave of conservative state lawmakers have approved similar policies across the country in recent years, but the man from Tennessee is the only one being investigated by the US Supreme Court.
Why is this such a big deal?
This is the first time the nation's highest court has ruled on a state ban denying medical care to gender-confirming youth. It is also only the second time in four years that the court must decide to what extent federal law protects transgender people from discrimination.
The Biden administration's top Supreme Court attorney warning that the decision was in favor of Tennessee be used to protect health care restrictions for transgender minors across the country. A ruling against Tennessee, on the other hand, could open the door to challenges to similar policies in other states.
It could also go beyond health care. The ruling could affect efforts to regulate other aspects of transgender Americans' lives – such as which sports competitions they can join and which bathrooms they can use.
What is the shape of the court?
Six of the nine justices are conservative, with three appointed by president-elect Donald Trump when he was in the White House from 2017-21. During the presidential election campaign, Trump and his friends promised to restore protections for transgender people.
After hearing arguments for two hours on Wednesday, the court appeared likely to uphold Tennessee's ban. The three liberal justices appeared inclined to agree with the opposition, but they do not have enough seats to swing a decision.
When will the judges make their decision?
A decision is expected by the end of June 2025.
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